Garfield at 25: In Dog Years I'd Be Dead is a book by Jim Davis. It was published in 2002 to celebrate Garfield's 25th birthday the following year. It was edited by Mark Acey and Scott Nickel.
Blurb[]
"Experience twenty-five years of the furry phenomenon known as Garfield with this fun, in-depth, and lavishly illustrated book.
Jim Davis’s grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis, was a big, cantankerous, outspoken man. Garfield is a big, cantankerous, outspoken cat. Coincidence? Of course not. The cartoon affectionately modeled on his grandfather has propelled creator Jim Davis—and Garfield—into the realm of comic superstardom. In this book, you’ll get a unique look back at the humble beginnings and enormous success of America’s favorite feline.
In Dog Years I’d Be Dead takes a comprehensive look at everything Garfield— the comics, the television shows, the zillions of products (who on the planet hasn’t seen the grinning plush doll suction-cupped to a car window?), and, of course, the fans. You’ll get the inside scoop about the pioneering comic-strip books that set the standard for the industry with a shape now called the “Garfield format.” You’ll venture into the studio where the voice talent recorded TV shows, and hear about the antics of special guest stars like Jonathan Winters and Buddy Hackett. Loaded with never-before-seen archival gems from Jim Davis’s personal collection and tribute cartoons from legends like Beetle Bailey’s Mort Walker, Blondie’s Dean Young, and The Family Circus’s Bill Keane, this is a book to treasure."
Chapters[]
- Garfield 25 Birthday Celebration: One Continuous Celebration!
- Foreword: Dave Barry (humorist)
- Chapter 1. Birth of a Fat Furry Legend: This chapter is about how Jim Davis started the Garfield comic strip, and showcases early sketches and syndication submissions from the strip’s development.
- Chapter 2. Comics Cavalcade: Some of Jim's favorite strips from 1978-2003.
- Chapter 3. Cartoonists' Convention: Cartoonists send Jim their strips about Garfield's 25th birthday.
- Chapter 4. Publislishing Powerhouse: Jim shares some of Garfield's books.
- Chapter 5. Say It With Garfield!: Jim shares posters, postcard, bookmarks, magnets, and more!
- Chapter 6. Garfield Goes Hollywood!: Jim tells about Garfield's specials and TV shows.
- Chapter 7. Stuck on You: The Phenomenon: The Stuck on You phenomenon took over in 1987 and caused destruction. Jim shows some Stuck on You's and news stories.
- Chapter 8. Garfield Stuff from A to Z: Garfield merchandise from A to Z.
- Chapter 9. 'Toon Talk: An interview with Jim Davis: Jim Davis does an interview with a few questions from readers.
- Chapter 10. The Art of Garfield: Jim Davis shares some art from a few Garfield books and others.
- Chapter 11. Garfield for President: Jim tells about how Garfield ran for President in 1996.
- Chapter 12. Education Sensation: Jim shows some Garfield education products.
- Chapter 13. Around the World in 25 Years: Garfield products went around the world. Jim shares some.
- Chapter 14. Fat Cat Fanatics: Jim shows some of the biggest Garfield fans.
- Chapter 15. Q & A with G: A few questions fans ask.
- Chapter 16. Paws: The House That Garfield Built: Jim shows some rooms in Paws Inc.
- Chapter 17. Photo Fun Fest: Photos of some great Garfield pictures.
- Chapter 18. Did You Know?: Some fun facts about Jim and Garfield.
- Chapter 19. Outtakes: Some pictures of unreleased Garfield products, as well as alternate takes.
- Afterword: Lynn Johnstown (creator of For Better or For Worse)
Trivia[]
- In the "Garfield Goes Hollywood!" chapter, one of the guest voices listed is Howie Mandel. It is unknown what Mandel did, if anything.
- There is a tribute to Lorenzo Music, who died the previous year.